Lots of discussions recently between Circular and Table Saws so read on and make up your own mind. Q: What are typical application that circular saws are used for? A: Simply cross cutting and rip cuts primarily into wood, but can also be used for pvc pipe and aluminium when using a fine toothed blade.
Q: Can my circular saw be used to cut other materials such as metal? A: Generally speaking it is not recommended for use on metals (other than aluminium) and masonry. Tool design and the required accessory/blade generally do not match for speed ratings and safety requirements. Q: Which size circular saw is generally recommended? A: Circular saw come in a variety of sizes, with 185mm and 235mm being the most common. In deciding which is right for you, first determine the maximum depth of cut you will require as the larger the blade, the deeper the cut. As a general rule, saws with smaller blade capacity weight less and are easier to control. Q: What is the difference between a crosscut and a rip cut? A: Generally, a crosscut is a shorter cut that goes across the grain of the wood. A rip cut is a longer cut that goes along the grain. Q: When should I use the depth adjustment? A; Proper depth adjustment is important for both safety and for the finest finish in the material. Correct depth of the blade is when approximately 1/2 a tooth is visible through the underside of the material. This will provide the most efficient use of the blade teeth to create a smoother cut and to reduce the chance of any kickback (the saw returning back up out of the wood). Q: What is the bevel adjustment used for? The bevel adjustment slants the bottom plate so that the blade will then gut on an adjustable bevel angle. It is used generally when two pieces of wood are to be joined together. Select a bevel adjustment between 0° and 45° (Some models go to 50°) and then tighten the knob before cutting. Q: How does an electric brake work on a circular saw? A: Electric Brakes reverse the flow of electricity to the saws brushes when the trigger is released. Reversing the current stops the blade's momentum quickly in as little as two seconds, compared to up to twelve seconds for a saw without this feature. Q: What is the spindle lock feature used for? A: Spindle lock provides for a single spanner accessory change. First disconnect the power tool and then by depressing this button, rotate the blade until it locks. Then use the wrench/spanner to loosen or tighten the arbour. Never operate the spindle lock whilst the tool is in use. Q: What's the difference between High Speed Steel (HSS) blades and Tungsten Carbide Tipped (TCT) blades? A: High-Speed Steel Blades can not be sharpened and are easily bluntened and generally provide a rougher finish. They are a cheaper alternative for general use or when you may need to sacrifice a blade due to poor quality material. Tungsten Carbide Tipped blades have carbide tips attached to their teeth. They are more expensive than other blades, but they stay sharp much longer than steel or high-speed steel and can be re-sharpened. Tips can also be replaced if broken or lost but this is comes at some expense. Q: How many teeth in my blade do I need? A: Like any saw blade, the more teeth the finer the cut. A 24t blade is the common type supplied and is ideal for general cross and rip cuts. Fitting a 40 to 60 toothed blade will provide a far superior finish. Q: How do I best cut a long, straight line through a piece of timber? A: First fit your rip fence to the tool, then adjust the fence to the desired width with the blade set to the outside edge of your cutting line. You can also clamp a straight piece of wood to the plywood creating an edge for the saw to ride against. Q: My Redeye laser has stopped working. What is the likely cause? A: Check your model is not one that uses batteries to power the laser generator. If so, check they are fitted correctly and are not flat. Q: When would I use the Redeye laser line generator? A: For increased safety, accuracy and speed of set up, it is recommended you always utilise the Redeye laser system Q: I find it difficult to see the Redeye laser line. What can I do? A: Use the supplied or you can purchase Redeye glasses that enhance the Redeye laser line in bright lighting conditions. Q: Do your tools come with a more comprehensive IM to show me how to use my tool? A: No, visit your local library for more info on using woodworking tools. Q; Do you have bushes for my tool? A: Most often it is brushes that are required they are available for most tools. Q: Can I purchase & fit an extension table to my saw? A: GMC do not make extension tables to suit at this time Q: Can I fit a larger diameter blade to my saw? A: No. They are only suitable for the blade diameter supplied Q: What length of timber can I rip with my saw? A: Ripping is basically unlimited. You only need to have adequate support at each end for the material Q: Can I purchase & fit a finer blade? A: GMC generally have 40 and 60TCT blades available for most models. However most good hardware retailers either carry a range or can order other sizes in to suit from saw blade suppliers. Make sure you take the blade and arbour sizes with you Q: Can I fit a dust extraction system to my table saw? A: Most models feature a dust extraction port for you to attaché any brand of dust extraction unit Q: Will a dust extraction unit if fitted remove all the dust? A: Typically No, there will always be dust generally building up on the table top. This can be reduced with various dust extraction accessories not available from GMC Q: What depth of cut can I achieve with the bevel angle at 45 degrees? A: This is totally dependant of the blade size and specification of the model you have. Refer to the instruction manual or GMC web site for additional specifications Q: What other material other than timber can I cut with my table saw? A: Basically they are suitable only for timber, however depending on how fine your blade is and size of material, some plastics and aluminium sections can also be cut Q: Can I remove the motor and use on other applications? A: No they are fixed into the table For more information on other GMC Tools please visit http://www.gmcompany.com.au/index.cfm?module=faq ********************************************************************** This message and its attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not disclose or use the information contained in it. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and delete the e-mail. Any content of this message and its attachments which does not relate to the official business of Eraring Energy must be taken not to have been sent or endorsed by Eraring Energy. No warranty is made that the e-mail or attachment(s) are free from computer virus or other defect. ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
